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Recorder outlines digitization push and voter outreach; staff working to resolve documentary citizenship notices
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Summary
Recorder Aubrey Sonoregga reported progress scanning historical records, a new e‑commerce site for certified document copies, and maintenance of an early‑voting mall location; the office is also proactively contacting voters who lack documentary proof of citizenship tied to driver licenses.
Coconino County Recorder Aubrey Sonoregga told the Board of Supervisors on May 15 that her office is increasing digitization of recorded documents and expanding voter outreach while preparing for a likely countywide election in November.
Nut graf: The recorder’s office spans two distinct missions—maintaining public land and vital records and administering voter registration and early voting. Sonoregga briefed the board on scanning projects, a new online service for buying certified copies, and outreach to registrants affected by documentary proof‑of‑citizenship questions tied to driver licenses.
Records digitization and service changes Alicia Henry, recording manager, reported the office is scanning historical index books and microfilm; staff said about one‑third of the recorder’s printed books have been scanned and the microfilm digitization work is underway. The recorder’s office also launched an e‑commerce function on its website to allow customers to buy copies and certified copies of recorded documents online and plans to expand awareness of a recording notification service that alerts property owners when documents matching their name are recorded.
Elections and voter services Chief deputy Donna Kasner explained the recorder’s voter services division handles most early voting in the county and mobile sites on the Navajo and Hopi reservations during elections; early voting accounted for roughly 80–85% of ballots in recent cycles, she said. Sonoregga said the mall early‑voting site will remain available after county decisions to retain the mall lease and that the office is planning for a likely countywide election in November (possible Coconino Community College measure or a statewide special election).
Documentary proof of citizenship outreach Sonoregga described a statewide issue in which some registrants lack documentary proof of citizenship tied to their driver license records. She said Coconino County was among the first counties to proactively notify affected voters by letter and that staff will follow up with calls and emails to people the office could not reach by mail. She said the office is monitoring an Attorney General opinion that could affect required procedures.
Why it matters Digitizing records improves public access and reduces in‑person visits to remote offices; early‑voting and voter‑registration work is a large, recurring operational task for the recorder’s office. The documentary proof‑of‑citizenship issue affects a subset of registered voters and has generated public questions; Sonoregga said the office has not removed any voters and is working to clarify requirements for affected registrants.
Ending Supervisors commended the recorder’s staff for outreach, records work and for maintaining early‑voting sites; the manager’s recommended increments for election‑related special‑election costs and CPI adjustments remain under consideration in the FY26 budget process.
